4 Insider Tips From a Will Planning Attorney

Proper planning includes involving the right people. Here’s why an attorney is a vital partner in your will planning process.

1. I already have a will, so I’m all set, right?

Not necessarily. Unlike antiques and wine, a will doesn’t improve with age. Many things in your life might have changed since you first created your will—a divorce or remarriage, a new child or grandchild, revised tax laws, a move to another state or valuable new assets.

Your Attorney’s Role An estate planning attorney can help you determine if it’s time to breathe new life into your outdated will and can make recommendations for updating it based on your current circumstances.

2. The internet can help me write my will for free. Why should I pay for the services of an estate planning attorney?

Do-it-yourself will kits may be widely available online, but there are no safeguards to ensure that they’re accurate and that the generated documents are implemented correctly. There’s more to writing a will than just filling in the blanks.

Your Attorney’s Role A qualified estate planning attorney can help you protect your assets, minimize taxes and find the best ways to provide for your loved ones and the organizations that you support, such as Wisconsin Lutheran College.

3. I just finished writing and updating my will. Planning done?

Not so fast. Your will doesn’t cover everything in your estate. The beneficiary designation forms for your retirement plan and life insurance policies dictate who will receive these assets. Keep your beneficiaries up to date so that your assets end up with your intended recipients.

Your Attorney’s Role As part of the will planning process, your attorney will review these accounts to ensure that they coordinate with your overall plans.

4. WLC is important to me. How can I continue to support this work after my lifetime?

Including WLC in your plans is a thoughtful way to invest in the future of our mission. It’s also your opportunity to give voice to the values you live your life by.

Your Attorney’s Role There are many ways to remember WLC in your will or other financial plans. Your attorney can help you find the gift that best meets your family’s needs and charitable goals.

We’re Here to Help

In addition to providing peace of mind, your will and other financial plans provide a flexible way to support a cause that’s close to your heart. To learn how you can give a gift that changes lives at our organization, contact Richard Mannisto '94 at 414.443.8788 or richard.mannisto@wlc.edu.

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results. Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.